Now, as matters stand at present," he went on, looking very fixedly at me, "her execution of that deed would rest with Philip." "And when shall you make your overtures to Mr.Sheldon ?" I asked, at a loss to understand that intent look.
"Not until the last links of the chain are put together.

Not before I'm ready to make my first move on the Chancellor's chessboard.

Perhaps not at all." "How do you mean ?" "If I can tide over for a little time, I may throw Philip overboard altogether, and get some one else to manage Miss Halliday for me." "What do you mean ?" "I'll tell you, Hawkehurst," answered my patron, resting his elbows on the table by which we were sitting, and looking me through with those penetrating black eyes of his.

"My brother Phil played me a shabby trick a few years ago, which I have not forgotten or forgiven.

So I shouldn't mind paying him out in some of his own coin.